Most people never think about pillowcase design until they are wrestling one onto a pillow. But there are actually a few different styles, and the way a pillowcase closes changes how easy it is to use, how it looks on the bed, and how well it stays put. Here is how the two most common designs compare.
What is a standard pillowcase?
A standard pillowcase is a simple fabric tube, closed on three sides and open at one narrow end. You push the pillow in through that end, and the extra fabric hangs past the edge of the pillow. It is the classic design found in most sheet sets.
What is an envelope pillowcase?
An envelope pillowcase has a built-in flap, similar to the back of a paper envelope, that folds over the opening to enclose the pillow completely. Most envelope designs open at the side. Ours opens along the top edge instead, for the widest possible opening.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Standard pillowcase | Envelope pillowcase |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | One narrow end, left open | Closed with a tuck-in flap |
| Putting it on | Push and stuff the pillow through the end | Slide the pillow in, fold the flap |
| Look on the bed | Loose fabric past the pillow end | Clean, fully enclosed edge |
| Staying in place | Pillow end is left exposed | Flap holds the pillow inside |
| Hardware | None | None, no zippers or buttons |
Pros and cons of standard pillowcases
Pros: widely available, included in most sheet sets, and familiar.
Cons: harder to put on, especially with a snug fit, and the open end leaves the pillow partly exposed. The loose fabric at the end can look untidy.
Pros and cons of envelope pillowcases
Pros: a tailored, hotel-style look, a pillow that stays enclosed all night, and no exposed pillow end.
Cons: traditional side-opening envelope cases can still be fiddly, since you push the pillow through a side opening and then tuck the flap.
The top-opening envelope: the easiest version
Our EZ Pillowcase takes the envelope idea one step further by moving the opening to the top edge. That gives you the widest possible opening, so the pillow slides straight in, and the tuck-in flap closes it neatly. You get the clean, enclosed look of an envelope case without the stuffing.
- Wide top opening with built-in tuck-in flap
- 300-thread-count bamboo viscose, silky and breathable
- Queen size, 20 x 30 inches, 2 pillowcases per pack
- Available in White, Cream, and Grey
Which should you choose?
If you change pillowcases rarely and do not mind the effort, a standard case does the job. If you want a neater-looking bed, a pillow that stays put, or simply a faster way to change bedding, an envelope design is worth the switch, and a top-opening envelope is the easiest version of all.
See the EZ Pillowcase 2-Pack, with free shipping on orders over $50 and a 30-day money-back guarantee.